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The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. J-1 Waivers and INA §212(e)
Physician J-1 Waivers

What Must a Conrad 30 Employer and Health Care Facility Provide?

The sponsoring facility must support the state application with a qualifying employment contract and evidence addressing the facility's location, underserved service, and other state-specific program requirements.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith · 2026-09-14

A qualifying full-time position is essential

The federal program requires a bona fide full-time medical employment offer under the applicable Conrad requirements.

The facility provides the employment contract

Current DOS instructions require a three-year, 40-hour-per-week contract signed by the physician and the facility head.

The facility must support the shortage-area showing

For standard placements, the state package includes evidence that the facility is in the applicable HPSA or MUA. Flex placements require the separate patient-service analysis permitted by federal law.

State employer requirements can be extensive

States may require employer attestations, recruitment records, patient-service data, site approval, Medicaid or Medicare participation, indigent-care policies, letters of community need, or other documentation beyond the basic federal DOS list.

Legal Authorities and Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State — How to Apply for a J-1 Waiver
  2. 8 U.S.C. §1184(l)
  3. HRSA — Health Workforce Shortage Designations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any physician employer sponsor a Conrad case?

The employer and facility must satisfy the federal and applicable state program requirements.

Must the employer sign the contract?

Yes. Current DOS instructions call for signatures from the physician and facility head.

Can states require more from employers than DOS lists?

Yes. State Conrad programs may impose additional application and site requirements.

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